Spring Break
University closes doors to Confederate remembrance
Issue date: 12/4/08
When asked why the University had changed its mind after 20 years of allowing them on campus, O'Shea said that a few complaints from Hopkins affiliates had been made last year.
"I think it would also be fair to say that, as far as I know, the issue had not previously been brought to the attention of anyone in a policy making position," he said.
So far, no students or faculty members have come forward to support the SCV in their efforts. Hopkins does not have its own student chapter of the SCV
Despite Hopkins's decision not to allow the SCV to host its reception on campus, the event will continue.
"The ceremony will take place on Jan. 17, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Lee and Jackson Monument. We will not be deterred from holding this important annual ceremony due to the unjust actions of Hopkins," Cummings said in an e-mail.
Members of the SCV wouldn't comment on any potential legal action they might take. "The University is confident that it is well within its legal rights," O'Shea said.
Students' reactions to the University's decision have been mixed. Some feel that the Confederate flag should not be allowed on campus because of what it represents.
"I respect [the flag] as a historical artifact but it represents prejudice and disunity," senior Shiraz Rahim said. He agreed with the University's decision because "Hopkins is private property and [the SCV's] actions promote disunity."
Another student was surprised that Hopkins has allowed this group on campus for the past 20 years.
"What took so long and what made them suddenly decide to [ban them] now?" senior Maneesha Jamnedas said.
"I think it would also be fair to say that, as far as I know, the issue had not previously been brought to the attention of anyone in a policy making position," he said.
So far, no students or faculty members have come forward to support the SCV in their efforts. Hopkins does not have its own student chapter of the SCV
Despite Hopkins's decision not to allow the SCV to host its reception on campus, the event will continue.
"The ceremony will take place on Jan. 17, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Lee and Jackson Monument. We will not be deterred from holding this important annual ceremony due to the unjust actions of Hopkins," Cummings said in an e-mail.
Members of the SCV wouldn't comment on any potential legal action they might take. "The University is confident that it is well within its legal rights," O'Shea said.
Students' reactions to the University's decision have been mixed. Some feel that the Confederate flag should not be allowed on campus because of what it represents.
"I respect [the flag] as a historical artifact but it represents prejudice and disunity," senior Shiraz Rahim said. He agreed with the University's decision because "Hopkins is private property and [the SCV's] actions promote disunity."
Another student was surprised that Hopkins has allowed this group on campus for the past 20 years.
"What took so long and what made them suddenly decide to [ban them] now?" senior Maneesha Jamnedas said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 116
J. Stephen Conn
posted 12/05/08 @ 12:32 PM EST
For generations the University campuses of America were bastions of free speech, openness and tolerance. Now they are bowing at the altar of political correctness. (Continued…)
Billy G. Greaser
posted 12/05/08 @ 12:49 PM EST
Sad as it may be, looks like John Hopkins University has gone ignorant and are attempting to become "politically correct" like the rest of the country. (Continued…)
Terry Ayers
posted 12/05/08 @ 7:04 PM EST
Can you imagine the outrage if Hopkins University had refused to rent the room to the NAACP or a Native American group? Hopkins is being selective in its prejudice and quite frankly there are laws against such things. (Continued…)
Elliott Cummings
posted 12/05/08 @ 7:43 PM EST
Someone once said that eventually Confederate descendents will become like the early Christians and be forced to honor their Confederate ancestors in secret in catacombs. (Continued…)
Elliott Cummings
posted 12/05/08 @ 7:54 PM EST
So far, Hopkins has invented five different excuses, expressed to different people, for their disgraceful action:
1 . We are a "Confederate" organization. (Continued…)
Elliott Cummings
Elliott Cummings
posted 12/05/08 @ 8:02 PM EST
So far, Hopkins has invented five different excuses, expressed to different people, for their disgraceful action:
1 . We are a "Confederate" organization. (Continued…)
Donald Steven Smith
posted 12/05/08 @ 8:21 PM EST
At the risk of making an incorrect assumption, I will guess that the two students quoted in the article as objecting to the use of Shriver Hall by the SCV for a post-event reception do not have ancestors who fought for the Confederacy. (Continued…)
B. B. Blythe
posted 12/05/08 @ 9:32 PM EST
As a member of the SCV and the Color Sgt. of my camp I was there last year holding our flag I marched in the small parade I stood at attention while the dedications were made when it was over I went with many to a reception at Shriver hall had refreshments visited with many of my old friends used the rest room and said adieu and went home just like everybody else where did that offend anybody Why I carry that flag ( the battle Flag) is because I have GGGrandfathers that fought under that Flag all my family is from Maryland and Virginia some of them got here in the 1600's way befor the Civil War I carry that flag to show respect for them and my fellow members of the SCV its my job I don't hold any hate or any misgivings of any kind towards John Hopkins or any one in Baltimore. (Continued…)
Christopher Cummins
posted 12/05/08 @ 11:23 PM EST
It is interesting to note that the names quoted in the article were names that are not of the founding the stock of this country. Where are the voices of the Scottish, Irish, English, Italian, French, etc. (Continued…)
Leopold Bloom
posted 12/06/08 @ 12:48 AM EST
Call it what you want; you are representing a legacy of treason to the United States. Congratulations!
p.s. the south lost the war. just a heads up. (Continued…)
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